NEW DELHI: India once again overcame arch-rivals Pakistan, this time in the Hong Kong Sixes 2025 at the Mission Road Ground in Mong Kok. In a rain-hit Pool C contest decided by the DLS method, Dinesh Karthik’s men held their nerve to secure a thrilling 2-run victory.

India’s top order sets the tone

India posted 86 for 4 in six overs as their top order came out firing at the Mission Road Ground. Robin Uthappa was in vintage touch, smashing 28 off just 11 balls with three towering sixes. Bharath Chipli provided fine support, adding 24 from 13 deliveries with two fours and two sixes. Together they powered India to a flying start before both fell in quick succession to Muhammad Shahzad and Abdul Samad.

Captain Dinesh Karthik played a late cameo that lifted India beyond the 80-run mark. His unbeaten 17 off six balls featured crisp boundaries through the off side, keeping India ahead in the contest. Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to contain the flow of runs, with only Shahzad finding some success through his clever variations.

Rain brings DLS twist

Chasing 87 for victory, Pakistan began positively through Maaz Sadaqat and Khawaja Nafay. The pair raced to 24 in quick time before Stuart Binny struck to remove Maaz with a sharp catch by Karthik. Khawaja and Abdul Samad kept the scoreboard moving, taking Pakistan to 41 for 1 in three overs.

However, just as the chase began to tighten, rain arrived to spoil the contest. The DLS method came into play and India were declared winners by two runs. It was a deserved victory for Karthik’s men, who showed greater control and intent throughout the game to make a winning start in Pool C.